Students with disabilities complete STEM robotics training

Twenty-six children with disabilities have graduated after completing a Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) Robotics training facilitated by the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana.
A simple ceremony was recently held at the auditorium of the David Rose Special Education Needs (SEN) school.
Each participant was presented with a certificate of successful completion of the programme, while the outstanding participants were presented with 3D printed medals.

The participants also displayed the robots they built during the programme. Another ceremony is scheduled for the remaining 27 persons who participated in the programme.
Programme Coordinator of GCOPD, Ganesh Singh expressed gratitude to ExxonMobil Guyana for funding the programme which has been in the pipeline for more than two years.
He also expressed gratitude to the members of the University of Guyana Robotics Club (UGRC). Also speaking at the graduation was ExxonMobil Guyana’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Karen Matusic and Coordinator of the UGRC Farnaz Baksh.
The STEM programme for children with disabilities was piloted in five Special Education Needs (SEN) schools in Region 4.
Throughout the four-month programme, the children were exposed to STEM subjects using robotics technology. Additionally, the children were taught complex concepts using the technology which helped them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The participants also developed a higher level of environmental awareness, since the robotics kits were solar-powered and utilised recyclable materials for the construction of the robots.
Each participant was given a tablet computer and a robotics kit. Currently, plans are in place to replicate the programme in the other SEN schools across Guyana using virtual means.